Adapted from a reason sermon found here.

Life is full of joys and sorrows, but there are moments when the weight of suffering becomes too much for us to bear. During these times, it’s natural to question where God is amidst our pain. In this blog post, we will delve into a brief story from John chapter 11 that addresses these very questions. It’s my hope that we discover encouragement together as we explore the biblical account of Mary and Martha, who experienced profound loss and disappointment, yet found strength in their faith.

The Sorrow of Loss

In John 11, we encounter John telling us of Mary and Martha, two sisters who were incredibly close to Jesus. They were grieving the loss of their brother Lazarus, who had passed away due to an illness. In their sorrow, they couldn’t help but express their disappointment that Jesus hadn’t arrived in time to prevent Lazarus’s death. I believe this resonates with many of us, as we too have questioned why God seemingly remains distant when we are in pain and why suffering persists.

The Unanswered Questions

Let’s be honest; the questions surrounding suffering don’t always have easy answers that bring immediate peace and resolution to our struggles. We may have experienced immense loss, battled physical or mental ailments, or witnessed the suffering of our loved ones, leaving us wondering why God allows such pain in our lives. Even as a pastor, I grapple with the unknown reasons behind my own wife’s severe anxiety, despite our earnest prayers for healing. Sometimes, we simply don’t receive a clear answer.

Finding Encouragement in Faith

As we navigate through our own trials, it’s important for us to remember that suffering is not a new concept. The Bible is replete with stories of individuals who faced their share of pain—Joseph, David, Job, the Apostle Paul, John the Baptist, and Stephen, to name a few. We can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.

Jesus’ Purpose in Suffering

In the account of Mary and Martha, we see that Jesus had a greater purpose in mind when He allowed their pain and delayed His response. He wanted to demonstrate His divine power and bring glory to God. Through their trying situation, He aimed to strengthen the faith of those around Him. His hope was that others would see and believe and be saved as they witnessed the power of the Messiah.

Understanding God’s Sovereignty

It’s not always easy to understand why God permits certain things to happen. Yet, we are called to submit to His wisdom and intentions in our lives, even when it hurts. His sovereignty and righteousness prevail, even in the midst of our suffering. God knows our struggles and has a plan, even if it remains beyond our understanding.

Hope Beyond Suffering

While none of us desire suffering or hurt, Jesus reminded us that trials are a part of life. We still have human bodies that are prone to dysfunction, and these bodies have an expiration date. The reality is that we will experience loss and pain, but as believers, we have hope.

Our hope lies in the assurance that death is not the end. It marks a temporary rest until the day of resurrection when we will be reunited with our loved ones in the presence of the risen Son. On that day, we will experience the brightness of His glory within the new creation.

Conclusion

In the midst of pain and suffering, we may wonder where God is and why He allows certain things to happen. Yet, through the story of Mary and Martha, we can find hope and encouragement in knowing that God has a purpose for our struggles.

While the answers to our questions might not always be clear, we can trust in God’s sovereignty and divine plan. Let us draw strength from the examples of those who faced trials before us, and let us lean on one another for support and encouragement during these challenging times.

As we journey through life’s highs and lows, let us hold fast to the hope we find in Christ, knowing that one day, we will be reunited with Him and our loved ones for all eternity.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. - 2 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV